Attendees were taken on tours of the museum’s Hall of Evolution and later were able to stop by the carts of various fossils. Carts were set up in the basement and on the second floor and were managed by students of the Evolutionary Paleobiology course in the Department of Geological Sciences.

“The basement cart has more of the invertebrate and mammal fossils, like the mammoth,” geological sciences junior Carly Scott said, lifting various fossils as she named them. “I really enjoy teaching people about these fossils. It’s fascinating to me that you can look at these bones and teeth and tell what the different species are.”

Various dinosaur bones were scattered across the table on the top floor. Visitors could observe a razor-sharp, curved velociraptor claw, fossilized dinosaur skin and a fossilized theropod egg.

On Sunday, tours of the Hall of Evolution again will be led by students of the Evolutionary Paleobiology course, who also will give guests a chance to enjoy hands-on interaction with the fossils during a fossil dig.

“Today was a little slower,” Scott said. “Sunday, there will be a lot more time and a lot more activities.”

There will be a Junior Paleontologist Scavenger Hunt, featuring clues hidden throughout the museum for the children to find. These junior paleontologists will have an opportunity to participate in a dig, sifting through the sand to discover ancient fossils.

Visitors will be able to take home their own Fossil Day souvenirs as the event comes to a close. Children are invited to participate in the “Make a Fossil” activity, where they will be provided with clay to craft their own unique fossil.

“I strongly encourage people to come by on Sunday,” Scott said. “There will be activities for the kids, and there will be things for older guests, too. The Evolutionary Paleobiology class will answer questions from anyone who has an interest in the fossils.”

Sunday’s National Fossil Day celebration will be free for everyone to attend. Visit the museum’s website for more information.